Massachusetts Rivers Alliance

Happy World Environment Day! 🌏🌱💧

Here’s how some of our team likes to spend the day!

For centuries, our waterways have been fragmented and riverine habitats have degraded after the installation of dams. Many of these dams are no longer in use and pose ecological, economic, and safety risks.

Fortunately, the more we educate ourselves and those around us, the better equipped we are to solve the problem together.

Through our advocacy, programming, and strong network of member organizations, we are already seeing incredible progress. Share this post and let’s keep up the momentum!

Happy River Month! 🐟

Read more about Dam Busters here: https://www.massriversalliance.org/dambusters

Our Dam Busters Technical Assistance program is off to a strong start! We visited the Town of Templeton, one of our technical assistance recipients, at Otter River Pool Dam on Mellon Brook, a tributary of Otter River in the Millers River Watershed. We met with Pare Corp consultants and Town of Templeton staff to begin early phase analyses for this dam removal project.

This dam is in rough shape, demonstrating the need for technical support and the ecological benefits that would result from its removal in this cold water fishery resource area. We will continue to share project updates, and we are thrilled to see how this program is already creating change for the award recipients!

Thank you to our partners at Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration and Charles River Watershed Association for making the Dam Busters program such a success!

Happy Earth Day! 🌎

Today is the perfect day to celebrate the Massachusetts Senate passing the Environmental Bond Bill (also known as the Mass Ready Act) last week!

Their version includes an amendment which encapsulates key provisions of the drought management bill which will create a more coordinated, transparent, and proactive approach to drought across the state.

The advocacy of the many Mass Rivers member groups and individuals was critical in ensuring this Amendment’s passage. This outcome is a reminder that we are stronger together and that our voices do make a difference for the future of our rivers and waters.

What a perfect way to celebrate !

📸: Ipswich River, June 2025